DescriptionArchaeological remains associated with the loss of this vessel are not confirmed as present at this location, but may be in the vicinity.
Event and Historical Information:
In the aftermath of the Royal Charter Gale 25-26 October 1859, the Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian printed a report of the rescue of the crew of a schooner from the beach near Penarth Head Inn (Penarth Hotel?) - '... a schooner with a crew, consisting of the captain, his little boy, the mate and three hands had been lying high and dry on the beach near the Penarth Head Inn, and was being repaired. As the sea came rushing madly on she was, with her crew, floated into deep water, and soon began to fill. The surge was now coming in shore at least 20 feet high, and the craft came along with it to within some 50 feet from the shore. Seeing the imminent danger of the crew, as the waves dashed over their craft, the coastguard and several parties rushed towards the spot to render any assistance thev could. Among those present,, and who exerted themselves most praiseworthily, were Mr. Thomas, auctioneer, and his brother, of Crockherbtown, and Mr Lewis, broker, who happened to 'be present; they faced the dangerous element heroically. The first impulse of those on shore was to send a line on board, bur unfortunately there were no rockets, and efforts were made, by tying heavy stones at the end of a line, to reach the unfortunate vessel; but without avail, as the wind sent the stones back as strongly and quickly as they were propelled forwards. The men on board at length tied a rope to a ladder and sent it adrift; those on shore succeeded in hooking it with a boat hook, but the retiring spray and the force of the wind pre- vented them securing a firm hold, and this hope of success was dashed away. The captain was now observed to go up the rigging with his boy, whom he lashed to the rattlings; and the rest of the crew were plainly seen holding on with all their might to the leeward side of the vessel, while the waves dashed with all their force over them. In the course of half an hour the captain went up the rigging and brought down his boy doubtless with the intention of swimming ashore; while in the act of doing this, a tremendous wave came and washed both overboard. The father was driven in shore, and was rescued by those on the beach, but the poor boy sank beneath the waves. The mate was next washed overboard and was lost. Two of the men were observed through the darkness in the bows, and a voice was heard that "three hands had gone over-board". Nothing could be done to save the men, and they remained in their perilous position till the tide receded, when they were rescued in an exhausted state...'
Sources include:
Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian, Glamorgan, Monmouth, and Brecon Gazette, 29 October 1859, pg5, col 4, Welsh Newspapers Online, http://papuraunewyddcymru.llgc.org.uk/en/page/view/3091935
Maritime Officer, RCAHMW, November 2013.
